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*Health Certificates explained.
Can I send my pets favorite toys and blanket?
What does the USDA have to do with pet transportation?
What are "puppy mills", and how can we be sure you don't transport for them?
How are pets exercised?
What kind of vehicles do you transport in?
How many people are in each vehicle?
Should I feed my pet before it gets picked up?
Do I need to send food for my pet?
What should I do to get my cat ready for the transport?
Can I send my small pet in a large carrier?
What special services do you provide?
Is insurance included in carrier rate or rental?
How do you keep animals from passing diseases to one another?
Do you require health certification from a vet?
Why do you use bottled drinking water?
Puppies and small breeds of dogs have special needs, how do you accomodate them?
How many dogs are walked at a time?
What happens if an animal becomes ill during transport?
How old does a pet have to be for transport?
About how long should it take to transport my animal?
Why use ground transportation?
Will my pet stay with the same driver throughout the transport?
Why can't I use a wire carrier?
How large must a carrier be?
Do I have to supply my own carrier?
Can anyone qualify for your discount rate program?
Is the cost of transporting a pet tax deductible?
What are the vaccination requirements for transport?
Do you pick up or deliver animals to airports?
Does it matter how far off the Interstate I live?
Do you offer private transports?
What if my pet requires medication during transport?
Q. *Health Certificates explained
A. Due to new USDA regulations, Pro Pet Transports will now require that all animals, with the exception of rodents, fish, and reptiles, now have an official, multi-copy, state issued certificate for interstate travel. These certificates must be acquired from a licensed veterinarian no more than 10 days prior to the scheduled transport date. We appreciate your assistance in this matter.
While nearly all animals transported with our company are required to have a health certificate, you should understand the following:
A health certificate only states that an animal is free from infectious diseases and current on all vaccinations. It does not indicate that the animal itself is in good health.
If you are purchasing an animal from someone that you do not know personally, we strongly recommend that you request proof of a clear physical examination from a qualified veterinarian. This additional measure will insure that you are buying a healthy animal and avoid any difficulties that might arise during or after delivery.
Q. Can I send my pets favorite toys and blankets?
A. We do allow a reasonable number of toys, bedding and the like to travel with your pet. We understand the need to make your pet feel at home during transport. In fact we encourage you to include an item of clothing that has the scent of the person the animal is most closely associated with on it as they find it comforting. It needs to be understood that while every effort is made to keep track of all the items with each animal, PPT is not responsible for lost property. It is recommended to send a list of things sent with your pet. Important Note We do require a pet bed for each mammal, excluding rabbits, that we transport. These can be provided by the owner or can be purchased through us.
*Please Note* We are not equipped to carry extras, such as bowls, leashes, extra paperwork, unnecessary medicines or any other items, for your pet(s). Please make other arrangements to have any items that are not needed for the transport shipped to your pet's destination. Our attendants are instructed to refuse any items that are not necessary for the transport.
Q. What does the USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) have to do with pet transportation?
A. They regulate the animal transport business by inspecting regularly to ascertain that all federal rules for safe transportation are followed. Animal relocating companies like ours are required by law to be licensed and renew every three years.
Q. What are "puppy mills", and how can you be sure you don't transport for them?
A.The definitions of "puppy mills" are numerous, but it is generally believed to be a breeder who produces puppies hand over fist with no breeding program, little attention to puppy placement, and poor health and socialization practices. A puppy mill may or may not be dirty but it is usually overcrowded and the dogs may be neglected or abused because the breeder can't properly handle as many dogs as he has. PPT's driver/attendants are trained to be observant when picking up or delivering animals from breeders. If they have any concerns about the conditions that they see, they contact the appropriate authorities or our office immediately.
Q. How are pets exercised?
A. Adult dogs are given leash walks. Puppies are put in special exercise pens; only one puppy is allowed inside the pen at a time. We have different sized pens for all sizes of puppies. As with puppies, rabbits are placed in exercise pens. Cats will enjoy our feline recreation areas, where they can play to their hearts content.
Q. What kind of vehicles do you transport in?
A. We use large transport vehicles that are all one unit and give plenty of room for the attendants to access the individual carriers during transport. Our vehicles are also equipped with a sink on board for washing pets as well as a ramp at the back for pets that are disabled/cannot walk up stairs, and/or have special needs. And unlike the typical cargo bay, our transport vehicles have large air conditioning and heating units to provide comfort and temperature control in addition to 2' insulation in all ceilings and walls. We are careful not to overbook, allowing for proper ventilation. In addition, our vehicles have a cab over sleeper so our drivers can sleep on board and the pets are never left alone.
Q. How many people are in each vehicle?
A. Each vehicle has two or three drivers/attendants so that while one is driving another can attend to the animals needs. Even when stopped for the re-fueling or other needs of the vehicle and/or pets, they are never left unattended.
Q. Should I feed my pet before it gets picked up?
A. Pets should not be fed for two to three hours before departure to give them a chance to get used to the movement of the vehicle. It lessens the chance of the animal becoming carsick.
Q. Do I need to send food for my pet?
A. PPT supplies a large variety of pet foods for dogs, cats and rabbits. Anyone sending pets with special diet needs or who would prefer to send their own food will need to send it in a zip lock bag with the pets name on it. We have refrigeration on each transport vehicle if needed.
Q. What should I do to get my cat ready for the transport?
A. If you are supplying your own carrier, please keep the cat inside the carrier until our drivers can inspect the carrier and your cat. We cannot be responsible for lost animals that get away from the sender before our drivers can take possesion of them. All transfers of cats, whether pickup or delivery, must be done indoors or in a secure location. This is because cats in unfamiliar territory have a tendency to run as soon as possible.
Q. Can I send my small pet in a large carrier?
A. Yes, transport rates are determined by the size of the carrier.
Q. What special services do you provide?
A. We re equipped with 12 volt connectors for use with heat rocks etc. Another favorite is the toys and treats that they look forward to enjoying. We have three feline recreation areas where cats can take a break from their carrier. This is equipped with toys and shelves so they can jump and play to their hearts content. We have exercise pens for puppies and rabbits. Adult dogs are given individual leash walks. Each vehicle is also equipped with a ramp at the back for pets that are disabled or cannot walk up stairs. All of these benefits are included at no extra charge.
Q. Is insurance included in carrier rate or rental?
A. Every transport carrier is automatically insured for $100.00. It is recommended that additional insurance be purchased to cover the cost of the animal being transported. If you would like to see more information about insurance please click here.
Q. How do you keep animals from passing diseases to one another?
A. Animals requiring immunizations and check ups must have up to date documentation. Attendants thouroughly cleanse their hands between handling different pets. We also recommend that dogs have their Bordetella (kennel cough) shots prior to transport.
Q. Do you require health certification from a vet?
A. Yes, health certification is required for cats and dogs and must be done no more than ten days before transport. Professional Pet Transports Inc. will not be able to transport without a certificate from a qualified veterinarian. It is recommended that all animals be checked by your vet prior to transport.
Q. Why do you use bottled drinking water?
A. We don't want to run the risk of your pet becoming ill from any contaminates that may be in tap water.
Q. Puppies and small breeds of dogs have special needs, how do you accomodate them?
A. Drivers/attendants always cleanse their hands between handling animals. No more than one puppy is in the exercise pen at a time. As with all animals in our care, we observe puppies closely for any potential problems. Very small breeds of dogs may require electrolytes to be added to their water; this is something that we keep on board for that eventuality.
Q. How many dogs are walked at a time?
A. Dogs getting leash walks are taken individually.
Q. What happens if an animal becomes ill during transport?
A. Pro-Pet-Transports has select veterinarians around the US to handle any emergency that might arise. The sender is notified immediately if an animal becomes ill and will make all decisions about the care given. You will receive an emergency authorization form that needs to be filled out and sent with the animal.
Q. How old does a pet have to be for transport?
A. Puppies and kittens must be at least eight weeks old to transport.
Q. About how long should it take to transport my animal?
A. Our average transportation time is 4-5 days, though weather, traffic conditions and other factors can effect our estimated day of arrival. While every effort is made to maintain the comfort of your pet throughout the transport, any one transport may potentially last up to ten days. If delays (or advances) are significant, affected customers are called and updated with the revised estimated day of arrival. Once the transport you have booked has been routed, we will call you with the estimated dates for Pick-Up and Delivery.
Q. Why use ground transportation?
A. Our attended ground transportation gives pets the best care possible during relocation and provides owners with the assurance that comes with a responsible, efficient service. Using ground transport means your pet is observed during their trip and any problems that may arise can be dealt with immediately.
Q. Will my pet stay with the same driver throughout the transport?
A. The same drivers/attendants that picked up your pet will be the ones who will deliver. All of our drivers adhere to our high quality of standards.
Q. Why can't I use a wire carrier?
A. Dogs and cats in particular may injure themselves on a wire carrier, the safety of your animal is paramount to us.
Q. How large must a carrier be?
A. Carriers must be a minimum of two inches higher than the shoulder of the animal being transported. There must be sufficient room for the animal to sit, stand, turn around and lay down comfortably.
Q. Do I have to supply my own carrier?
A. PPT rents carriers at a very reasonable price. See our Rates page for prices.
Q. Can anyone qualify for your discount rate program?
A. Yes, after you have transported ten animals with us you will receive a ten percent discount. Members of registered animal rescue groups or organizations handling guide or service animals automatically get a fifteen percent discount. Active military personell are also entitled to a 15% discount. Feel free to e-mail us for details.
Q. Is the cost of transporting a pet tax deductible?
A. Yes, the deduction can be found in the IRS publication number 521. It clearly states that the cost of transporting a pet due to employment issues such as corportate relocation, moving to accept a new job or for better job opportunities is tax deductible.
Q. What are the vaccination requirements for transport?
A. Dogs and cats must have their health certificate and shot records up to date. Dogs must have current rabies shot within one year of transport. Puppies should have been given their parvo shot at six to eight weeks. Kittens should receive their distemper and feline leukemia vaccinations at eight weeks. All animals over fourteen weeks must have rabies vaccination. While not required it is recommended that dogs are vaccinated for "kennel cough" prior to transport.
Q. Do you pick up or deliver animals to airports?
A. Because of the chance for delays and cancelled arrivals or departures and the fact that we would have other animals on board we do not pick up or deliver to airports.
Q. Does it matter how far off the Interstate I live?
A. Not unless you would like us to pick up or deliver your pet 20 miles or more off the Interstate. In which case, we charge an additional $3.00 per mile (starting from the Interstate). However, you may meet our transport vehicle closer to the Interstate to prevent this additional charge. Call our office to make arrangements if they become necessary.
Q. Do you offer private transports?
A. Yes. We do provide private transports. This service is generally used for either a large number of animals or for individuals who would like the extra special attention, and would like direct pickup and delivery to and from the locations of your choice. For private transports, we use our shuttle buses that are pictured on our website.
Q. What if my pet requires medication during transport?
A. Our attendants are qualified and experienced so as to administer medications for your pet/s. There will be a $5 charge per day for oral medications, and a $10 charge per injection. Please put medicines in a ziplock bag with the name of your pet and that of the medicine/s on it, and instructions for administering.
Can't find the answer to your question? Feel free to email us, and we would be glad to answer any questions you may have.
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